The Singleton Golf Challenge continued to produce surprises after the team of Saidi Kirarira/Richard Mucunguzi, a new team in the championship stormed the finals of the 7th edition at Entebbe Club on Saturday.
Kirarira/Mucunguzi eliminated another debuting pair of Micheal Odur/Brian Manyindo 3&2 (won by three holes with two left), in the four-ball-better-ball match-play championship to storm the final where they will face-off with Joseph Bogera/Kenneth Kiddu.
Bogera and Kiddu saw off Sserwano Walusimbi/Peter Magona; 4&3 in the second semifinal to also qualify for their first final.
“It was not easy; it was hard; we were three-down after the first nine so we had to fight on the back to ensure we get over these guys. It was a hard game but we finally overcame them and won 3&2,” Kirarira, a member of Kabale Golf Club said.
“We had a slow start but we composed ourselves because we knew it was a do or die so everyone of us played like we had nothing to lose, so we were going for it or nothing. We scored par on hole-10 and 12, birdied hole-11 to get back in,”
Saidi Kirarira after the Singleton Golf Challenge semis at Entebbe Club course. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
“We have come to realise it is not an easy tournament. We started with over 200 golfers so reaching this level was not an easy thing. We played very difficult opponents before and we have been pushing on, the experience has been a difficult one,” Kirarira noted.
Kirarira only started the game during the covid-19 lockdown and despite finding it challenging over time, he has been working on his game and improving every passing day. His better experienced partner Mucunguzi is a member of Entebbe and Lake Victoria Serena Kigo with whom they ‘have miraculously qualified for the final’ and are now determined to win the championship.
“We now have to continue playing regularly and have some rounds with the most experienced golfers who can help us improve our game so that we can come to the final when we are set,
“We only entered the championship to enjoy ourselves but after making it this far, we have realized it is now possible because we have endured and undertaken a tough journey, so we believe it is now possible and we shall come to the final well prepared to take it,” Kirarira stated.